2011 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Should Look for Receiver in Second Round

Let’s assume the Chicago Bears remedy their offensive line woes courtesy of an excellent draft pick and some deft maneuvering in free agency. 

Jay Cutler can now stand confidently in a secure pocket without the fear of head or knee injury.  The question remains however, what 2011 draft choice compliments the young gun slinger’s talents.

At this moment, the Bears have one of the weaker receiver corps in the league. 

Devin Hester, arguably the most dangerous return man in NFL history, serves as a mediocre receiver.  While capable of making great plays, he is undersized and ends up in the wrong spot from time to time.

Johnny Knox has incredible speed but has this strange habit of straying from the path of the ball and seems unwilling to challenge interception seeking cornerbacks.  

Earl Bennett showed the most improvement during the 2010 campaign.  Of all the current receivers, he seems to have the greatest understanding of the Martz system.

While not a game-changer, Bennett serves as a strong possession receiver.  He's an important part of the offense without a doubt, but the team needs a strong game-changer to round out the offense.

If the Bears address their most egregious shortcomings in order, the search for a rookie wide out will fall to the second round. 

While most of the prime talent will likely be gone by the time the 62nd rolls around, there is reason to remain optimistic.

Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo has made some boneheaded first-round picks, (Cedric Benson anyone?) but has found some diamonds in the rough with later picks including third-round pick Lance Briggs and second-round gem Matt Forte.

Can the Bears find that big play wide receiver in the second round?  Here are some possibilities. 

Leonard Hankerson from Miami stands at 6’3” and weighs 205 pounds.  He ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.  He possesses a nice combination of speed and strength: just what the Bears need to shore up the wide receiver position.

While unlikely to fall so far in the second round, Maryland’s Torrey Smith may prove a worthy prospect.  At 6’1” Smith isn’t the biggest target but the numbers from the 2010 season demand attention.  He caught 67 passes for 12 touchdowns garnering 1,055 yards. 

 The 2011 draft class features some high-end talent at the wide receiver position.  While it remains likely that the top attention-getters will be gone by the time the Bears get their second pick, it is likely that some very nice talent will remain available for the taking.

Here’s to hoping Jerry Angelo is on his game come draft day.